Bandipur National Park Travel Guide | Safari Booking, Places Nearby & Tips

Bandipur National Park, located in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, is a thriving wildlife sanctuary nestled between the Western Ghats and the Nilgiris. Spread over 874 sq. km, it forms a part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is one of the best places in India to witness tigers, elephants, and birds in their natural habitat. Known for its eco-tourism focus, crowd-controlled safaris, and tranquil forest stays, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking both wildlife and serenity.

📌 Quick Facts about Bandipur National Park

Hidden Tip: Plan your trip between March and May to see animals near waterholes.

🚙 Bandipur Safari Booking, Packages & Timings

Bandipur National Park offers two types of safaris: Jeep Safari and Canter Safari (bus). Both are operated by the Forest Department, with limited seats and fixed timings.

📌 Online Booking: https://bandipurtigerreserve.in
🎟️ Includes guide, vehicle fee, forest entry, and camera charges (for DSLRs)

Hidden Tip: Book early morning safari for the best wildlife sightings, especially in summer.

🛏️ Where to Stay – Bandipur Resorts & Jungle Stays

Hidden Tip: Choose resorts located near the safari gate to enjoy pre-dawn forest sounds, easier access to safaris, and exclusive nature walks offered by some properties.

🍛 Local Cuisine to Try

While Bandipur itself doesn’t have commercial restaurants, nearby resorts and towns like Gundlupet offer traditional South Indian meals.

• Ragi Mudde with Sambar – ₹120

• Nati Chicken Curry with Rice – ₹180

• Filter Coffee – ₹25

• Wild Honey (local produce) – ₹200 per bottle (buy in tribal village)

🛍️ Shopping Near Bandipur

🛒 Best Buy Items:

• Handmade wood & bamboo crafts

• Tribal honey and herbal oils

• Spices from nearby Wayanad

• Miniature wooden elephants and leopards

🧺 Where to Shop:

• Tribal Craft Shop at Mangala Village (18 km)

• Gundlupet Market (22 km)

🗺️ Top Tourist Places to Visit Near Bandipur (Within 50 km)

Explore these offbeat and popular locations just a short drive from the park:

1. 🛕 Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta (14 km)

A fog-covered temple hilltop overlooking the forest

• 📍 Highest peak in Bandipur region

• 🛕 Krishna Temple built in Dravidian style

• 🕒 Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

• 🎫 ₹50 vehicle entry (via forest checkpoint)

Hidden Tip: Visit at 8:30 AM sharp for misty views and elephant herds below.

2. 🌄 Moyar Gorge Viewpoint (20 km)

The ‘Grand Canyon’ of the Nilgiris

• 📸 Deep-cut valley view from Tamil Nadu border

• 🐦 Spot eagles, falcons, and vultures

• 🗺️ Entry Free, best reached via Masinagudi road

Hidden Tip: Arrive post-4 PM for golden light and fewer tourists.

3. 🌳 Hulikal Anti-Poaching Camp & Nature Trail (12 km)

Experience forest life on foot

• 🥾 2–3 km guided trail with forest guards

• 🐿️ See Malabar squirrels, hornbills, butterflies

• 🎟️ Forest permission required (ask safari reception)

Hidden Tip: Morning walks = best birding and light. Carry a field guide.

4. 🧺 Mangala Village (18 km)

Tribal crafts, eco-tourism & culture

• 🎋 Bamboo & jute products

• 🍯 Forest honey, herbal products

• 🛍️ Handicrafts sold by Soliga tribe

Hidden Tip: Ask resorts to pre-arrange your visit, includes storytelling sessions and lunch options.

5. 🏞️ Nugu Dam (35 km)

A quiet, offbeat spot for birdwatching and sunset

• 🚣 Seasonal boating, stork sightings, and sunset walks

• 🆓 Free Entry

• 🌅 Best in Nov–March for water levels and birds

Hidden Tip: Bring your own snacks and use the dam steps as a sunset viewing point.

6. 🐾 Bandipur Core Zone – Moolapura Forest

Tiger territory with high sighting rates

• 🎯 Zone C and D = Top tiger sightings

• 🚙 Request preferred zone during booking

• 📍 Entry: From Bandipur Safari Reception (0 km)

Hidden Tip: Ask your jeep guide about “Tiger Rock” or “Leopard Curve”, commonly known hotspots.

🧳 Bandipur National Park Half-Day Side Trips (Perfect Combos)

Hidden Tip: Start early if combining Gopalaswamy Betta with Moyar Gorge or Nugu Dam, the routes are scenic but remote, and better enjoyed in daylight hours.

✅ Is Bandipur worth visiting?
Absolutely! Clean safaris, real wilderness, and fewer crowds than Corbett or Ranthambore.

✅ Bandipur Safari best zone?
Zone C – Highest recorded tiger sightings.

✅ Is Bandipur open now?
Yes. Open October to June; closed during monsoon (July–Sept).

✅ Can I book Bandipur Safari online?
Yes: https://bandipurtigerreserve.in

✅ Nearby tourist places to Bandipur National Park?
Gopalaswamy Betta, Mangala Village, Moyar Gorge, Nugu Dam, all under 50 km!

✅ Where to stay in Bandipur?
Choose from eco-lodges like Dhole’s Den or budget stays like Jungle Inn, all near safari gate.

Bandipur National Park Transportation & Accessibility

Understanding transportation options can enhance your travel planning:

• By Road: Bandipur is well-connected by road. Regular KSRTC buses operate from major cities like Bangalore and Mysore to Gundlupet, from where taxis or auto-rickshaws can be hired to reach Bandipur.​

• By Rail: The nearest railway station is in Mysore, approximately 80 km away.​

• By Air: The closest airport is Mysore Airport, with limited connectivity; the nearest major airport is in Bangalore, about 220 km away.​

Hidden Tip: If traveling by public transport, plan your arrival to coincide with safari timings, and consider booking accommodations that offer pick-up services from Gundlupet.

Bandipur National Park Reviews – Visitor Experiences

✅ Pros: What Visitors Loved

1. Abundant Wildlife Sightings: Many visitors reported sightings of elephants, deer, peacocks, and occasionally leopards. The park’s rich biodiversity offers a rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts.​

2. Scenic Beauty: The park’s lush greenery and serene environment provide a tranquil escape from urban life. The natural beauty of the Western Ghats enhances the overall experience.​

3. Knowledgeable Guides: Several tourists appreciated the expertise of the safari guides, who provided insightful information about the flora and fauna.​

4. Proximity to Other Attractions: Bandipur’s location allows easy access to nearby attractions like Gopalaswamy Betta and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, making it convenient for extended trips.​

❌ Cons: Areas for Improvement

1. Limited Tiger Sightings: While the park is known for its tiger population, sightings are rare and depend on luck, leading to occasional disappointment among visitors.​

2. Noisy Safari Vehicles: Some visitors noted that the noise from larger safari buses can deter wildlife, reducing the chances of close encounters.​

3. Accommodation Challenges: Feedback indicates that certain government-run accommodations may lack cleanliness and maintenance, affecting the comfort of the stay.​

4. Booking Difficulties: Tourists have reported challenges in securing safari bookings, especially for jeep safaris, due to high demand and limited availability.​

If you’re looking for a true wildlife experience with modern eco-tourism, Bandipur National Park checks every box. With its abundant flora and fauna, tiger safaris, nearby hills and temples, and tribal culture trails, it delivers a complete jungle adventure. Stay in cozy forest resorts, enjoy crowd-free safaris, and explore nearby hidden gems, all within a 50 km radius.

Whether you’re visiting with family, your partner, or solo, Bandipur is worth every moment.

👉 Don’t just visit the forest. Live it in Bandipur. 🌳🐘